Christopher Simms

Chief Executive Officer and Founder

The Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Born and raised in Southern California, Chris Simms has been involved in the restaurant business all of his life. While attending Loyola High School and then Cornell University, Chris worked his way up the ladder through various restaurants both in the kitchen and the dining room.

In 1997, Chris graduated from the Cornell School of Hotel Administration and began working with P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. After three years with P.F. Chang’s, Chris decided to continue his education in the restaurant industry by beginning work with Mimi’s Café, the restaurant company founded by his father, Tom Simms. Chris and Tom opened their first Lazy Dog in Huntington Beach, CA in 2003.

Focused on creative scratch cooking, gracious hospitality and unrivaled value, the Lazy Dog concept treats its guests to a variety of eclectic American dishes served in a warm, yet exciting contemporary rustic atmosphere. Guests of all ages and economic backgrounds enjoy business lunches, family dinners and happy hour every day at the Lazy Dog.

Named Nation’s Restaurant News’ Hot Concept! of 2009, the Lazy Dog took advantage of the recent economic downturn, expanding its presence throughout Southern California during that period. As CEO, Chris keeps a close eye on operations while guiding the concept and developing new sites in CA, NV, Tx, and CO resulting in the 25th Lazy Dog opening in 2017.

Chris and his team look forward to executing an aggressive, yet prudent growth plan over the next several years that will include openings throughout the South and Southwest Regions.